So-Called “Right to Work”

ACT Ohio vehemently opposes all So Called “Right to Work” legislation. These laws allow workers to reap all the benefits of a union contract for free; eroding the ability of labor organizations to effectively represent their members.

“Right to Work” is a grossly misleading title, created by its supporters and proponents to put a positive spin on the otherwise damaging statute. On its surface, a So Called “Right to Work” law prohibits worker security agreements between labor unions and their employers. In reality, the law strips workers of protections afforded by unions.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, So Called “Right to Work” laws prohibit workers and employers from agreeing to contracts that include fair share fees and force dues-paying union members to subsidize services to non-union employees.

So Called “Right to Work” Laws are an Attack on the Middle Class

So Called “Right to Work” laws mount to a “Right to Work for Less.” According to the Economic Policy Institute, these laws result in lower worker wages, fewer benefits, and an increase in poverty in they state where they are enacted.

So Called “Right to Work” Laws Restrict Labor Organizations

In states with So Called “Right to Work” laws, Labor Organizations cannot advocate for better wages, benefits, and safety regulations for their members.

So Called “Right to Work Laws Do Not Provide Additional Freedoms or Rights

In fact, according tot the Economic Policy Institute, So Called “Right to Work” laws actually restrict freedom of association by prohibiting workers and employers to agreeing to contract that are mutually beneficial.

Federal law already prohibits any American from being forced to join a union. Federal law also prohibits unions from using member or non-member fees to pay for activities that might violate political or religious beliefs of a worker. The only reason for these laws is to weaken Labor Organizations and their ability to negotiate on behalf of their members.

The Goals of Pro-So Called “Right to Work” Laws are Clear

Anti-labor interests attempt to install So Called “Right to Work” laws to further weaken the working class. By enacting So Called “Right to Work” laws, anti-labor interests are legally allowed to exploit their workers, by driving down wages and offering fewer benefits.

So Called “Right to Work” Facts

In So Called “Right to Work” states:

– Wages are at least 3.2% lower.

– The rate of employer-sponsored health insurance is at least 2.6% lower.

– The rate of employer-sponsored pensions is at least 4.8% lower.

– The poverty rate is at least 2.3% higher.

So Called “Right to Work” laws disproportionately affect minorities:

– Non-union women, on average, earn $149 less per week than non-union women.